title: Prostacyclin and prostaglandin synthesis in isolated brain capillaries.
abstract: The synthesis of prostacyclin and prostaglandins was examined in isolated blood-free brain capillaries of guinea-pigs and rats using 1-14C-arachidonic acid as a precursor. The main prostaglandins synthesized by guinea-pig microvessels were prostaglandin D2 and prostaglandin E2. Substantially less prostaglandin F2 alpha or the prostacyclin stable metabolite, 6-oxo-prostaglandin F1 alpha was synthesized. Rat capillary prostaglandin distribution differed substantially from that of the guinea-pigs although the principle prostaglandin was also PGD2. Total prostaglandin conversion was greater in guinea-pig capillaries than in the rat. Norepinephrine stimulated the prostaglandin forming capacity of blood free cerebral microvasculature of guinea-pigs. Prostacyclin and prostaglandins could be involved in the activity dependent regulation of regional cerebral blood flow and permeability.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D002196:Capillaries / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000098:blood supply*; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D005978:Glutathione / Q000494:pharmacology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051381:Rats; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D011453:Prostaglandins; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D011464:Epoprostenol; D005978:Glutathione; D009638:Norepinephrine